Villanova Final Stats | EMU Final Stats

Siena Softball's opening weekend ended in heartbreak Sunday, losing to Villanova 5-1, and then losing to Eastern Michigan 5-4 on a walk-off homerun. The Saints were without All-MAAC selection Stephanie Viggiano who sat out the games due to injury.

In the morning contest the Saints (0-5) were never really able to get their offense going despite drawing first blood, recording four hits and striking out 13 times in the game. Their lone run came in the top of the second on a Sammy Smaldone home run, her second of the season. Antonia Edwards (0-1) started for the Saints picthing 1.2 innings, giving up 6 hits and 3 runs in the loss.

The Wildcats (1-4) were led by Aleshia Ayers who went 2-3 with 2 RBIs, including a solo home run in the sixth. Villanova scored three runs in the third to take a lead which they never relinquished. Kate Poppe (1-2) drew the start for the Wildcats picthing six innings and allowing four hits and one run.

The Saints struck first blood again in the second game, scoring two runs in the first inning. Alyssa Lancaster knocked home Paige Hess on a groundout, followed by a sacrifice fly by Abby Carpenter to score Melanie Kalesse.

Siena would again score two runs in the fourth inning, with Paige Lloyd bringing home Chelsea Stout and Hess singling home Bridget Connors.

Eastern Michigan (4-6) would do all of its damage over the last three innings scoring single runs in the fifth and sixth before finishing it off in the seventh. With one out in the bottom of the ninth Michelle Kriegshauser hit a two-run home run to right field, winning it for the Eagles.

Lauren Butts pitched 4.1 innings in the no decision allowing only one run on four hits. Danielle Cacciola (0-2) drew the loss for the Saints, while Lindsay Rich (4-5) drew the win for Eastern Michigan.

The Saints travel to Jacksonville, Fla. next weekend, for five games in the Osprey Invitational, beginning with contests against Stony Brook and host North Florida on Friday.